I will be attending the CCVS event this Tuesday 22nd, I will be leaving Whittlesey at around 09:15. It is a good event for community groups/volunteer organisations to find out more about some excellent funding pathways and to network with other organisations.
I have been before.
I have room for (3) my contact details are on the top bar….
See post about the event below 16th March
There are in fact 4 more parking spaces now than before….did I count them No…its what CCC plans stated, this is because of space from the ‘old’ toilet block.
This does not of course excuse anyone ‘hogging’ space(s) for weeks on end.
As far as the Doctors surgery at New Queens St is concerned, this is a ‘private’ car park.
I was asked/tasked some time ago to carry out a survey of vehicles using their car park, under the remit of the PPG (Patients Participation Group -Free to join).
Over a period of 3 days @ 4 times a day, it was established from the results given to the Practice Manager, that there was 6 vehicles parked there on all occasions which did not belong to anyone at the surgery.
It was ‘assumed’ that these vehicles parked up and the occupants went off else where for the day.
As far as I am aware, no action was taken to inform the vehicles of their inconsiderate parking.
Note whist the survey was being carried out, I was subjected to verbal abuse on more than one occasion – even after explaining why I was doing the survey – thank you very much.
I am taking a lot of information in this week, and at my age takes ‘some time’ to register!
Thinking more about the Community Rail Partnership meeting on Wednesday which I attended.
I am now ‘thinking’ (too much is no good for you), why all of a sudden are ‘Abellio – Greater Anglia’ wanting to ‘engage’ more with public, customers and friends…..is it because the rail franchises are up for grabs in the next few months. After Years and Years of ‘inactively’ they now want to ‘listen too’ their customers, they want to carry out community events, they want to build and pay for some small enhancements. Me cynical – never….
Of course there is a world of difference between Whittlesey and say March Railway Stations. March is a nice I believe Edwardian Railway Station, has a fantastic group
Friends of March Railway, who have worked together for many years to make improvements and enhancements (Volunteers)….have some extremely good sponsorship.
Whittlesey – 2 concrete platforms, my friend Andrew O – has been waiting over 3 years for another friend to join him (that’s makes 2 by the way) in trying to form a Friends of Whittlesey Railway group.
See below the latest publicity from FOMRS…
(Click on picture to enlarge)
http://www.whittleseynhw.org.uk/
As I always say we are not Crime Free and should not be complacent.
Of the 6 recent burglaries reported – 4 were through open doors? – These households could be in problems with their insurer if entry was gained in this way.
Reported Crimes since 17th February
Whittlesey 29
Chatteris 46
March 108
Wisbech 183
We have a very good Neighbourhood Watch scheme here in Whittlesey, I try and promote this group when ever I can…..If the scheme runs in your street – you may be entitled to insurance discounts, many home policies ask if your area is part of a scheme.
There are many areas in Whittlesey, Coates, Eastrea, Pondersbridge and Turves NOT covered by a NHW scheme. If you would like more information – please contact me.
My meeting today with PCSO Ian Moll was on behalf of Whittlesey Neighbourhood Watch.
In my post about the Camper Van in Grosvenor Road Car Park said that the responsibility was the remit of FDC, it is not a Police matter.
PCSO Moll is a ‘civilian’ employee of the office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, we know he has very limited powers as all PCSO’s do. Depending on the Chief Constable, he/she may give PCSO’s more or less powers.
The regular meetings are to bring up any concerns that NHW members have, generally these ‘issues’ are few and of fairly minor issues.
They include but are not limited to parking issues, speeding issues and crime issues.
I did bring up on behalf of posts on SL© that of the ‘Mondeo’ on Snoots Road, and PCSO Moll was unaware of it – however he is now and will look at it.
When ‘Blunkett’ introduced PCSO’s I and many others were not too pleased, but this is what we have, and make the best of it. In many parts of the country they have all but gone.
One day you may need the help and assistance of PCSO Moll or his partner Tracy.
Back to the Camper Van, I’ve done my bit, I can not do anymore, it is down to FDC officials now. Remember if the vehicle moves off onto the road, it is legally entitled to park, providing it is not causing an obstruction….it may well decide to park outside someones home?
Not the best of picture, but a pretty nice ladies Bicycle was ‘found’ abandoned on the Ramsey Road Layby.
It is a safe place and if you have lost it or had it stolen, get in touch and I’ll tell you where it is.
I am very reliably informed this morning that Fenland District Council are on the case….
They are aware of the vehicle and the now ‘missing’ signage. The orginal sign was on the side of the ‘old’ toilet block and was not replaced, if it can not be found I understand they will make a new one.
Thanks to AM..
From yesterday, I have now located the vehicle on the DVLA database and it is taxed to 01/10/2016 and is MOT to 10/03/17
I agree this vehicle has been a problem in the past. Since the car park is FDC’s responsibility it comes under their remit. I note that the ‘old’ Eastgate Car Park, does have a ‘very dirty sign’ with regulations on it – see picture. The ‘new’ Bus Stop car park does not have a sign – I wonder why not – I’ll ask.
Carrying out a vehicle check on the DVLA website, I was unable to find the vehicle details, which any member of the public can carry out.
Tried various combinations, but still no luck.
Although not directly his remit I have a planned meet with PCSO Moll tomorrow, maybe he might check it out – but he can not do anything about it – on Council owned property.
On this picture shows the very dirty signage, the notice states that vehicles have a maximum of 24 hours in the car park.
Maybe the ‘suspect’ is well aware of this signage and it not being displayed on the ‘new’ car park’
Also note of course that the Spring Fair is in Town.
A number of complaints also coming through in regards to High Causeway, vehicles not taking notice of the signage and in some cases pedestrians having issues.
At night time – cars drive along the road, shop at ‘Heron’ or collect food from fast food places.
Again this has been reported through the correct channels…..someone’s going to get caught and given a ticket.
Ralph B – Far right
At last nights Community Rail Partnership event, I was fortunate to have a conversation with Cllr Ralph Butcher, when I asked about updating me about ‘funding’ of the proposed development, as I was unsure if ALL the funding was in place, especially that of ‘Network Rail’, Ralph who is the Fenland/Whittlesey lead councillor on this project.
He informed me that ‘even’ if Network Rail was not to make any contribution, funds ‘will’ be available to complete the project, I asked further…..It would appear the Cambs CC will either look for funding or underwrite the cost (By the way that’s us the rate-payer).
Of course the tendering process is the next part, and of course there is always the what if? everything goes over budget.
I was also sorry to hear from Ralph, that he is planning not to stand as a County councillor at the next elections in 2 years time, he said that the new boundaries make the area too large and unmanageable and coming up to 75 by the time of the elections, was feeling a ‘bit’ old to carry on, that’s subject to perhaps someone changing his plans?
Ralph B 2nd from the left. Was an original
Member of Whittlesey Street Pride and helped
launch the group off.
Post note: I did mention to Ralph, that maybe! when/if the bridge is eventually built it could be called ‘The Ralph Butcher Bridge’ – he smiled….
I along with a very good representation from Whittlesey, made up the majority of the public attending this evenings update on The Community Rail Partnership.
Lead councillor Simon King gave a good update of where the partnership is at present.
In essence it was my understanding that there will not be a great deal of movement 
until the Government announces ‘who’ has won the next franchise in the area (June?)
Also attending from Whittlesey Cllrs Mrs K Mayor, Cllr A Bristow, Cllr B Wicks, Cllr R Butcher, Mr Andrew Overton (SP Friend of Whittlesea Railway) Mr B Esson Gray (SP)
Ms Anita Tricky (Blackbush rail user).
Mr Ken Mayor.
Cllr Mrs Mayor made the point of recent negative social media publicity concerning Whittlesey Railway Station.
The info charts gave (3) different possibilities of platform configurations.
Mrs Tricky made strong arguments about the present lighting issues, and this was well noted. There was an opportunity to engage one-to-one with Rail representatives from ‘Abellio Greater Anglia’
Cllr Simon King was very happy with the progress made since the last meeting.
No date was given as to when the next public engagement will happen.
If you are part of a voluntary group and or would like to know more about help and funding…
Following the success of our last Round Table meeting in September we warmly invite you to our next meeting on 22 March 2016.
Fenland Round Table Meeting for voluntary community groups, charities & social enterprises Tuesday 22 March: 10:00 am to 12:00 noon at 14 Octavia View, South Brink Wisbech PE13 1JQ
This meeting for managers and trustees of local voluntary and community groups will be an opportunity to:
Receive updates on key issues affecting the voluntary sector
Network and share news and information
Get an update on the progress of Community-Led Local Development funding (CLLD)
Hear from the BITC Connector Russell Beal on activities to date and plans for the future
Please come along. This is a great opportunity to meet up with representatives from other groups and staff from CCVS will be available to meet attendees informally after the meeting.
It would be helpful to have an idea of numbers at this event so to book your place please give us a call on 01223 464696 or email: enquiries@cambridgecvs.org.uk
We look forward to seeing you
Kind Regards
Frances
The reinvigorated Whittlesey Business Forum have their monthly meeting tonight at WTC offices on Grosvenor Road.
They now have their own website which is below….
18 passionate ‘Volunteers’ turned up at our quarterly NHW meeting held at WTC Offices. Due to unforeseen circumstances our PCSO was unable to attend, but he will be meeting me personally later in the week.
Crimes in the last month are as follows:
Incidents are down compared to same period last year 196 to 275
Crimes are 28 for the month compared to 95 last year (50 of those were vehicle crime)
There was 6 burglaries of various types, all spread out both in location and date.
The local team has spent a lot of time with vulnerable people (both young and old) in the community and liaising with medical and support services.
Whittlesey NHW has a new Service Level Agreement with Fenlands Policing Team and we have agreed to sign with some slight amendment.
Our ‘reported’ crime remains one of the lowest in Cambridgeshire – but We are NOT Crime Free.
Our NHW Co-ordinators most of whom have been members for many years, remain very passionate about being not only a good neighbour but a better neighbour.
Check out Whittlesey NHW dedicated website http://www.whittleseynhw.org.uk/
for a lot of useful information.
The next meeting is on Tuesday 21st June 2016 @ 7:00pm – it is an open meeting, anyone can attend.
http://www.whittleseynhw.org.uk/
